Section One- Chapters 1-3
Which character appears to be presented in a more favorable light, Widow Douglas or Miss Watson?
The Widow Douglas is presented in a more favorable light than Miss Watson. Miss Watson is the one who is constantly trying to better Huck and teach him the morals that don't come naturally to a young boy. She is constantly harping on him to change, and that makes Huck uncomfortable. When he runs away during the night and returns with dirty clothes, the widow is just disappointed. She doesn't scold him- that's what Miss Watson does. She tries to scare him by talking about 'the bad place', and saying that, if he's not careful, that's where Huck will end up. Huck, as a child, doesn't quite grasp that concept, but she tries as hard as she can to scare him into not doing things that are 'wicked'. Widow Douglas, on the other hand, is the one who is there for Huck- who originally agreed to take him in and be like a family to him.
How does Huck respond to Miss Watson's admonitions to pray? What does this tell us about Huck?
He believes that praying is a way for him to receive everything he asks for. So, naturally, he prays for a new fishing pole and gear. When it doesn't all come to him he is somewhat puzzled. When Miss Watson lets him know that the gifts he will receive are of the spiritual nature, he doesn't understand. He doesn't see any advantage in getting spiritual gifts, and so lets the matter go. It shows us how Huck is still very much a boy, and doesn't understand the significance of praying. He wants to go to Hell for a change of scenery, so he obviously isn't very concerned with matters of church and the devil.
In what ways is Huck different from the other boys in the gang?
Huck is the only one without a family. He is excluded in the beginning, because, in the event of his treason, the boys wouldn't have anyone to kill. He solves this by offering up Miss Watson. The boys are ok with that, and forget about the matter. He also is the only one who really begins to doubt Tom's leadership. Throughout the whole book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huck is portrayed as kind of a side kick to Tom. This is changed when Huck doesn't believe Tom's tales of diamonds and genies.
The Widow Douglas is presented in a more favorable light than Miss Watson. Miss Watson is the one who is constantly trying to better Huck and teach him the morals that don't come naturally to a young boy. She is constantly harping on him to change, and that makes Huck uncomfortable. When he runs away during the night and returns with dirty clothes, the widow is just disappointed. She doesn't scold him- that's what Miss Watson does. She tries to scare him by talking about 'the bad place', and saying that, if he's not careful, that's where Huck will end up. Huck, as a child, doesn't quite grasp that concept, but she tries as hard as she can to scare him into not doing things that are 'wicked'. Widow Douglas, on the other hand, is the one who is there for Huck- who originally agreed to take him in and be like a family to him.
How does Huck respond to Miss Watson's admonitions to pray? What does this tell us about Huck?
He believes that praying is a way for him to receive everything he asks for. So, naturally, he prays for a new fishing pole and gear. When it doesn't all come to him he is somewhat puzzled. When Miss Watson lets him know that the gifts he will receive are of the spiritual nature, he doesn't understand. He doesn't see any advantage in getting spiritual gifts, and so lets the matter go. It shows us how Huck is still very much a boy, and doesn't understand the significance of praying. He wants to go to Hell for a change of scenery, so he obviously isn't very concerned with matters of church and the devil.
In what ways is Huck different from the other boys in the gang?
Huck is the only one without a family. He is excluded in the beginning, because, in the event of his treason, the boys wouldn't have anyone to kill. He solves this by offering up Miss Watson. The boys are ok with that, and forget about the matter. He also is the only one who really begins to doubt Tom's leadership. Throughout the whole book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, Huck is portrayed as kind of a side kick to Tom. This is changed when Huck doesn't believe Tom's tales of diamonds and genies.
Section Two- Chapters 4-6
How does Twain satirize "do-gooders" in his description of Pap's reform?
Twain satirizes do-gooders when he describes how Pap always promises he will reform and quit drinking, and then falls back to his old habits. Twain is commenting that those who hold themselves up to high standards and believe themselves morally superior are not always better people all the time. No one is ever 100% reformed- we all have the capability to fall back, just like Huck's Pap. He puts on a facade of motivation to do right, but in the end is always driven by want of money and alcohol. Twain is commenting on the fact that even if you call yourself a "do-gooder," you are only truly good if you keep up your actions in all areas. There are those who hold themselves above others, but really have loose moral standards and do wrong.
How does Huck like life with his father? Why does he decide to run away?
Huck learns to like his life with his father because it is easy and simple. He doesn't have to work hard on correcting his habits when he is with his father, because his Pap has the same habits and encourages them. Huck finds it relaxing to not have to constantly worry about people judging his ways, and can fall back into old habits and a lifestyle that is easy- he doesn't have to suppress anything. He decides to run away because, while he learns to somewhat like his life with his father, he hates living in fear of the drunken rages and beatings. At one point he chases Huck with a knife, calling him the "Angel of Death." Huck hates this fear, but faces a problem. He doesn't like living with the Widow and Miss Watson either, constantly having to repress old habits. He decides that the only solution is to run away, and soon.
How does the physical description of Huck's father in Chapter 5 also serve to describe his character?
Huck's father is described as an unkempt, dirty man, with long greasy hair and a sickly white face. He doesn't take care of himself, and this reflects his inability to care for himself and Huck. He only focuses on getting money and alcohol, and this shows in his appearance. His sickly complexion shows his sickness- he is an alcoholic, and can't control his behavior and it has nearly driven him mad. He scares Huck, and his appearance does nothing to diminish Huck's repulsion and fear.
Twain satirizes do-gooders when he describes how Pap always promises he will reform and quit drinking, and then falls back to his old habits. Twain is commenting that those who hold themselves up to high standards and believe themselves morally superior are not always better people all the time. No one is ever 100% reformed- we all have the capability to fall back, just like Huck's Pap. He puts on a facade of motivation to do right, but in the end is always driven by want of money and alcohol. Twain is commenting on the fact that even if you call yourself a "do-gooder," you are only truly good if you keep up your actions in all areas. There are those who hold themselves above others, but really have loose moral standards and do wrong.
How does Huck like life with his father? Why does he decide to run away?
Huck learns to like his life with his father because it is easy and simple. He doesn't have to work hard on correcting his habits when he is with his father, because his Pap has the same habits and encourages them. Huck finds it relaxing to not have to constantly worry about people judging his ways, and can fall back into old habits and a lifestyle that is easy- he doesn't have to suppress anything. He decides to run away because, while he learns to somewhat like his life with his father, he hates living in fear of the drunken rages and beatings. At one point he chases Huck with a knife, calling him the "Angel of Death." Huck hates this fear, but faces a problem. He doesn't like living with the Widow and Miss Watson either, constantly having to repress old habits. He decides that the only solution is to run away, and soon.
How does the physical description of Huck's father in Chapter 5 also serve to describe his character?
Huck's father is described as an unkempt, dirty man, with long greasy hair and a sickly white face. He doesn't take care of himself, and this reflects his inability to care for himself and Huck. He only focuses on getting money and alcohol, and this shows in his appearance. His sickly complexion shows his sickness- he is an alcoholic, and can't control his behavior and it has nearly driven him mad. He scares Huck, and his appearance does nothing to diminish Huck's repulsion and fear.
Section Three- Chapters 7-8
How does Huck escape the cabin? What does this tell the reader about Huck?
Huck begins by sawing a hole in a log of the cabin's wall. When Pap leaves to go to town, Huck crawls out the hole with the gun. He kills a wild pig and uses its blood to spread a trail throughout the cabin. He takes everything of any value out of the cabin, and beats down the door with an axe. Then, he drags a bag of rocks down to the water to give the appearance of his body being dragged. Then he takes some of his hair and bloodies it with pig blood to lay around the room. He loads up his new-found canoe with supplies and, after accidentally falling asleep until his father returns, he quickly leaves, heading for Jackson Island. This shows that Huck is very clever in figuring out a way to insure that no one follows him. He also doesn't mean to implicate his Pap in this, he is just concerned with his future free of adults.
Why did Jim run away?
Jim tells Huck that he ran away because Miss Watson was planning on selling him down south to Orleans. He did not want to be sold into the hands of an unknown master down south, changing hands like property, and so he ran away. He and Huck meet up a few days after he had run. Jim feels like he finally has something of worth- himself who is worth nearly eight hundred dollars- more than Jim has ever had in his life- and he is proud of his freedom.
Why does Huck stage his own murder rather than simply running away? What repercussions could this choice have on those who care about him?
Huck stages his own murder to insure that no one follows him. He realizes that, after a few days of searching, everyone looking would eventually have to give up and assume the worst. And no person is going to go on looking for someone believed dead for too long. Huck just wants to insure his own safety from both his father and the pressures of those too civilized- Miss Watson and Widow Douglas. He doesn't realize that this will cause great sadness to those who care about him. It is still hard to decide whether or not his father is one of these people, but Pap was on the boat Huck saw looking for his body. The mystery surrounding his disappearance would have an effect on anyone who was remotely close to him.
Huck begins by sawing a hole in a log of the cabin's wall. When Pap leaves to go to town, Huck crawls out the hole with the gun. He kills a wild pig and uses its blood to spread a trail throughout the cabin. He takes everything of any value out of the cabin, and beats down the door with an axe. Then, he drags a bag of rocks down to the water to give the appearance of his body being dragged. Then he takes some of his hair and bloodies it with pig blood to lay around the room. He loads up his new-found canoe with supplies and, after accidentally falling asleep until his father returns, he quickly leaves, heading for Jackson Island. This shows that Huck is very clever in figuring out a way to insure that no one follows him. He also doesn't mean to implicate his Pap in this, he is just concerned with his future free of adults.
Why did Jim run away?
Jim tells Huck that he ran away because Miss Watson was planning on selling him down south to Orleans. He did not want to be sold into the hands of an unknown master down south, changing hands like property, and so he ran away. He and Huck meet up a few days after he had run. Jim feels like he finally has something of worth- himself who is worth nearly eight hundred dollars- more than Jim has ever had in his life- and he is proud of his freedom.
Why does Huck stage his own murder rather than simply running away? What repercussions could this choice have on those who care about him?
Huck stages his own murder to insure that no one follows him. He realizes that, after a few days of searching, everyone looking would eventually have to give up and assume the worst. And no person is going to go on looking for someone believed dead for too long. Huck just wants to insure his own safety from both his father and the pressures of those too civilized- Miss Watson and Widow Douglas. He doesn't realize that this will cause great sadness to those who care about him. It is still hard to decide whether or not his father is one of these people, but Pap was on the boat Huck saw looking for his body. The mystery surrounding his disappearance would have an effect on anyone who was remotely close to him.
Section Four- Chapter 9-11
How does Huck's view of superstition evolve over the course of Chapter 10?
Huck goes from not really buying superstitions and bad luck to wholeheartedly believing things like the man who looked over his left shoulder at the moon fell off his roof because of this. The incident with the snake bite made him believe that it was because he touched a snake skin- supposedly very bad luck. Jim constantly telling him about his superstitions cause Huck to begin to believe in luck and the consequences of simple things like his touching the snake skin.
Why do you think Mrs. Loftus isn't harsher on Huck when she discovers he is lying to her?
Mrs. Loftus believes that Huck is a runaway apprentice. She discovers that he is not a girl relatively quickly, and thinks that the only explanation is that he has run away because he was mistreated. This makes her feel sympathy towards a little boy who had to dress like a girl to get away from the bad men. He also tells her that both of his parents died.
Huck and Jim are runaways seeking freedom. In what ways are there differences in their motivation to escape?
The consequences if Jim is caught would be much more serious. Jim is running for his life and freedom- if he's caught he could face being sold to the south, or even lynched. If Huck is caught, however, while there will be plenty of shocked people who believed he was dead, everyone would be happy. Jim is a suspect in the disappearance of Huck, because he ran away around that time, so the chances he would be killed are very high.
Huck goes from not really buying superstitions and bad luck to wholeheartedly believing things like the man who looked over his left shoulder at the moon fell off his roof because of this. The incident with the snake bite made him believe that it was because he touched a snake skin- supposedly very bad luck. Jim constantly telling him about his superstitions cause Huck to begin to believe in luck and the consequences of simple things like his touching the snake skin.
Why do you think Mrs. Loftus isn't harsher on Huck when she discovers he is lying to her?
Mrs. Loftus believes that Huck is a runaway apprentice. She discovers that he is not a girl relatively quickly, and thinks that the only explanation is that he has run away because he was mistreated. This makes her feel sympathy towards a little boy who had to dress like a girl to get away from the bad men. He also tells her that both of his parents died.
Huck and Jim are runaways seeking freedom. In what ways are there differences in their motivation to escape?
The consequences if Jim is caught would be much more serious. Jim is running for his life and freedom- if he's caught he could face being sold to the south, or even lynched. If Huck is caught, however, while there will be plenty of shocked people who believed he was dead, everyone would be happy. Jim is a suspect in the disappearance of Huck, because he ran away around that time, so the chances he would be killed are very high.
Section Five- 12-14
What does Huck's insistence on boarding the wrecked steamboat tell us about Huck?
Huck is adventurous- at least he feels he ought to be. He's curious and insistent on getting his own way. He pushes past his fear because of his curiosity. He actually doesn't really feel fear, just fascination. He doesn't think ahead- he is appealed by the mystery, it intrigues him, like it would all little boys.
Why does Huck try to save the murderers, and how does this reflect on his character?
He really is not a bad child, he has a good heart, even after all of the things he's been through. He is simple-minded and kindhearted with good intentions. He ran away not because he was bad, but because he was genuinely scared, and through all of his trials, he still knows the difference between right and wrong.
How accurate is Huck's information about dukes and kings? Why?
His information is not very accurate- he mispronounces words and gets facts mixed up. It's not his fault because he has grown up with minimal education and teaching. This really shows how when he doesn't know something he'll make up something and say it with all the confidence that boy can have.
Huck is adventurous- at least he feels he ought to be. He's curious and insistent on getting his own way. He pushes past his fear because of his curiosity. He actually doesn't really feel fear, just fascination. He doesn't think ahead- he is appealed by the mystery, it intrigues him, like it would all little boys.
Why does Huck try to save the murderers, and how does this reflect on his character?
He really is not a bad child, he has a good heart, even after all of the things he's been through. He is simple-minded and kindhearted with good intentions. He ran away not because he was bad, but because he was genuinely scared, and through all of his trials, he still knows the difference between right and wrong.
How accurate is Huck's information about dukes and kings? Why?
His information is not very accurate- he mispronounces words and gets facts mixed up. It's not his fault because he has grown up with minimal education and teaching. This really shows how when he doesn't know something he'll make up something and say it with all the confidence that boy can have.
Section Six- 15-16
What is Huck and Jim's plan to reach safe territory?
They plan to travel down the river until they reach the town of Cairo, where they will sell their raft and get tickets up to the free states. Jim plans on stealing back his children from their masters, and Huck is confused about why such a nice man like Jim would want to steal from someone else.
How does Huck convince the men looking for runaway slaves not to search the raft?
Huck invites the men over to his raft, saying he needs help for his sick family. By asking them over, he makes them suspicious- and they believe his whole family to have a very contagious case of the small pox. The men are afraid they will get the sickness, and so they tell Huck to continue on his way, far from them, and stop at the next town, advising him to not tell anyone about his condition early on, so that they will actually help him.
What is the principal conflict in Huck's mind about Jim?
Huck is having a conflict about whether or not to turn Jim in. Huck thinks that he really ought to turn him in, because Miss Watson was never so harsh on him as to deserve a runaway slave, or so he thinks. Then, on the other had, Huck is becoming friends with Jim, and Jim says something so nice to Huck that it changes his mind about calling the police. Jim tells Huck that Huck is the first white man to ever keep a promise, and that he is grateful and thankful to have a friend like Huck. This touches Huck, and he doesn't think he can turn Jim in.
They plan to travel down the river until they reach the town of Cairo, where they will sell their raft and get tickets up to the free states. Jim plans on stealing back his children from their masters, and Huck is confused about why such a nice man like Jim would want to steal from someone else.
How does Huck convince the men looking for runaway slaves not to search the raft?
Huck invites the men over to his raft, saying he needs help for his sick family. By asking them over, he makes them suspicious- and they believe his whole family to have a very contagious case of the small pox. The men are afraid they will get the sickness, and so they tell Huck to continue on his way, far from them, and stop at the next town, advising him to not tell anyone about his condition early on, so that they will actually help him.
What is the principal conflict in Huck's mind about Jim?
Huck is having a conflict about whether or not to turn Jim in. Huck thinks that he really ought to turn him in, because Miss Watson was never so harsh on him as to deserve a runaway slave, or so he thinks. Then, on the other had, Huck is becoming friends with Jim, and Jim says something so nice to Huck that it changes his mind about calling the police. Jim tells Huck that Huck is the first white man to ever keep a promise, and that he is grateful and thankful to have a friend like Huck. This touches Huck, and he doesn't think he can turn Jim in.
Section Seven- 17-18
How does Huck rediscover Jim?
A slave tells Huck that he wants to show him some moccasins down in the swamp, but actually shows Huck where Jim has been all this while.
Would you say the Grangerfords are basically good or bad people? Why do they end up the way they do?
They are fundamentally good people, but they are flawed. They get caught in the middle of a family feud- and it becomes part of their identity.
At the end of Chapter 18, Huck says, "You feel mighty free and easy and comfortably on a raft." How would you compare life on shore and life on the raft so far?
Huck has always felt comfortable on the raft with Jim- he feels like he doesn't have anything to hide, and can be himself. The days are lazy, spent relaxing, fishing, swimming. On shore, however, Huck has come upon drama and confusion, the raft has always been the place he can return to with Jim, the comfortable place for him to be himself. With the shooting though, life on shore reaches a different level- Huck must be overwhelmed.
A slave tells Huck that he wants to show him some moccasins down in the swamp, but actually shows Huck where Jim has been all this while.
Would you say the Grangerfords are basically good or bad people? Why do they end up the way they do?
They are fundamentally good people, but they are flawed. They get caught in the middle of a family feud- and it becomes part of their identity.
At the end of Chapter 18, Huck says, "You feel mighty free and easy and comfortably on a raft." How would you compare life on shore and life on the raft so far?
Huck has always felt comfortable on the raft with Jim- he feels like he doesn't have anything to hide, and can be himself. The days are lazy, spent relaxing, fishing, swimming. On shore, however, Huck has come upon drama and confusion, the raft has always been the place he can return to with Jim, the comfortable place for him to be himself. With the shooting though, life on shore reaches a different level- Huck must be overwhelmed.
Section Eight- 19-20
Why do you think Huck helps the duke and the king when he first meets them?
Huck is a naturally kind person, he usually helps those who need it. While he does trick people and lie, he'll probably help you if you need it. He also doesn't want the duke and the king to get suspicious and turn in Jim as a runaway. The safest way to keep that from happening is to bring them along with him.
Huck knows the duke and king are frauds from the beginning. Why does he pretend that he thinks they are the real thing?
Huck knows he is on thin ice with his story about himself and Jim. He doesn't want the duke and king to anger and tell authorities about the man who is likely a runaway slave. If he were to challenge them, they could turn on him and become dangerous- if they are so involved in creating an elaborate ruse, they probably don't want him to pry in their business, and would try to keep him from telling anyone.He also relates to them, as he himself cons people and will make up identities.
How does Twain again use weather to emphasize the mood and rising action of a conflict?(in Chapter 20)
Twain begins the chapter with a thunderstorm- and with Huck and Jim having to sleep outside in the pouring rain. They don't really mind, however, because it is a warm rain. The day they arrive at the preacher's sermon is hot however, and this reflects the wildness of the crowd and the chaos of the day. This is a very dramatic change in mood as well as weather.
Huck is a naturally kind person, he usually helps those who need it. While he does trick people and lie, he'll probably help you if you need it. He also doesn't want the duke and the king to get suspicious and turn in Jim as a runaway. The safest way to keep that from happening is to bring them along with him.
Huck knows the duke and king are frauds from the beginning. Why does he pretend that he thinks they are the real thing?
Huck knows he is on thin ice with his story about himself and Jim. He doesn't want the duke and king to anger and tell authorities about the man who is likely a runaway slave. If he were to challenge them, they could turn on him and become dangerous- if they are so involved in creating an elaborate ruse, they probably don't want him to pry in their business, and would try to keep him from telling anyone.He also relates to them, as he himself cons people and will make up identities.
How does Twain again use weather to emphasize the mood and rising action of a conflict?(in Chapter 20)
Twain begins the chapter with a thunderstorm- and with Huck and Jim having to sleep outside in the pouring rain. They don't really mind, however, because it is a warm rain. The day they arrive at the preacher's sermon is hot however, and this reflects the wildness of the crowd and the chaos of the day. This is a very dramatic change in mood as well as weather.
Section Nine- 21-24
How would you describe the town where Huck and Jim land? What are the inhabitants like?
The town is dirty and run down. The inhabitants think of nothing but tobacco. They all hang around the few stores in town cussing and chewing, and hogs roam the streets. The town itself is crumbling, and the fact that a man is killed in front of his daughter the day Huck gets there speaks for itself in describing the feel of the town and its inhabitants.
What is Sherburn's attitude toward the men attempting to lynch him? What do you think Twain's attitude is?
He acts unafraid. He tells them that he knows them and that they would never lynch him in broad daylight, none of them would have the guts to lynch someone they know. Twain was saying that when it really comes down to it, in a big group people might commit crimes, but as soon as the individual begins to think about it, no one person has the nerve to start it. The individual has different limits than the group.
How do the duke and king entice people to see the "Royal Nonesuch"? What do you think Twain is implying about human nature with this?
The king and the duke say that women and children are not allowed to see the show. This makes the men want to see it even more, because if it is not allowed, then it must have something interesting. Twain is commenting on the human tendency to think things are more interesting if they are inappropriate or forbidden.
The town is dirty and run down. The inhabitants think of nothing but tobacco. They all hang around the few stores in town cussing and chewing, and hogs roam the streets. The town itself is crumbling, and the fact that a man is killed in front of his daughter the day Huck gets there speaks for itself in describing the feel of the town and its inhabitants.
What is Sherburn's attitude toward the men attempting to lynch him? What do you think Twain's attitude is?
He acts unafraid. He tells them that he knows them and that they would never lynch him in broad daylight, none of them would have the guts to lynch someone they know. Twain was saying that when it really comes down to it, in a big group people might commit crimes, but as soon as the individual begins to think about it, no one person has the nerve to start it. The individual has different limits than the group.
How do the duke and king entice people to see the "Royal Nonesuch"? What do you think Twain is implying about human nature with this?
The king and the duke say that women and children are not allowed to see the show. This makes the men want to see it even more, because if it is not allowed, then it must have something interesting. Twain is commenting on the human tendency to think things are more interesting if they are inappropriate or forbidden.
Section Ten- 25-28
What makes the Wilks girls saddest about having their property sold?
The family's slaves are sold down south, and the mother is separated from her two children. This makes the girls sad.
How is Huck's increasing maturity shown in these chapters?
Huck begins to feel bad about the cons the duke and king are pulling. He likes the family they are staying with, and is uncomfortable with tricking them and taking their money. He ends up telling Mary Jane what the men are doing- how they aren't really her relatives planning to bring her with them to England.
Where is Jim during this entire episode? Why didn't Twain involve him more?
Jim is back at the raft. Jim can't participate in the cons that the duke and king were pulling because he is a slave and slaves aren't involved in society and it would have been hard to involve him without raising suspicion. Jim also doesn't agree with the men's swindling ways, so it would be hard for them to pull it off without him telling them off.
The family's slaves are sold down south, and the mother is separated from her two children. This makes the girls sad.
How is Huck's increasing maturity shown in these chapters?
Huck begins to feel bad about the cons the duke and king are pulling. He likes the family they are staying with, and is uncomfortable with tricking them and taking their money. He ends up telling Mary Jane what the men are doing- how they aren't really her relatives planning to bring her with them to England.
Where is Jim during this entire episode? Why didn't Twain involve him more?
Jim is back at the raft. Jim can't participate in the cons that the duke and king were pulling because he is a slave and slaves aren't involved in society and it would have been hard to involve him without raising suspicion. Jim also doesn't agree with the men's swindling ways, so it would be hard for them to pull it off without him telling them off.
Section Eleven- 29-31
What darkly comic elements does Twain use in Chapter 29?
He has the men in his story describe a tattoo on a dead man's chest. He then describes them digging up the dead body with the gold inside. This is written in a funny way, but the reader almost wonders whether you should be laughing, because it is speaking of a dead man. Twain also uses dramatic irony- the reader knows that the money is in the coffin, but no one in the story does except for Huck. This makes it all the more exciting as in the chaos they are digging up the dead body- when you know what they will find.
How do the Duke and King behave toward each other in these chapters? How would you compare this with their behavior in earlier chapters?
The duke and king disagree on more and more things as the chapters go on. They have a big fight in Chapter 30, but end up making up at the close. This behavior is different than before, when they were joined together in many successful cons- but as soon as one of them fails, they each blame each other. In the end, however, the are brought together by greed and love of money.
Why does Huck decide to "go to hell"?
Huck decides to go to hell because he is friends with Jim. He doesn't want his friend to be sold into hardship and slavery, and thinks that for thinking this he will go to hell. He also feels that, because Jim is supposedly Miss Watson's property, it is wrong for Huck to be with Jim as a runaway- because it's like stealing. And stealing is a sin.
He has the men in his story describe a tattoo on a dead man's chest. He then describes them digging up the dead body with the gold inside. This is written in a funny way, but the reader almost wonders whether you should be laughing, because it is speaking of a dead man. Twain also uses dramatic irony- the reader knows that the money is in the coffin, but no one in the story does except for Huck. This makes it all the more exciting as in the chaos they are digging up the dead body- when you know what they will find.
How do the Duke and King behave toward each other in these chapters? How would you compare this with their behavior in earlier chapters?
The duke and king disagree on more and more things as the chapters go on. They have a big fight in Chapter 30, but end up making up at the close. This behavior is different than before, when they were joined together in many successful cons- but as soon as one of them fails, they each blame each other. In the end, however, the are brought together by greed and love of money.
Why does Huck decide to "go to hell"?
Huck decides to go to hell because he is friends with Jim. He doesn't want his friend to be sold into hardship and slavery, and thinks that for thinking this he will go to hell. He also feels that, because Jim is supposedly Miss Watson's property, it is wrong for Huck to be with Jim as a runaway- because it's like stealing. And stealing is a sin.
Section Twelve- 32-34
How does the setting contribute to the mood at the beginning of chapter 32?
The setting is an old house with a typical one-horse plantation and clumps of grass everywhere. It is nice for Huck to see this, because he doesn't feel like he is taking on a huge task in trying to steal Jim away from it- there isn't anything very official or ominous about it. Also, there are many children running around, both slave and white, which contribute to a feeling of happiness and comfortableness.
How does Twain use irony in the discussion between Huck and Mrs. Phelps about the steamboat accident that Huck makes up?
Aunt Sally asks Huck if there were any casualties on the accident (which Huck fabricated.) Huck said no- no one was hurt, but a slave man was killed. Aunt Sally says that's very lucky- which is ironic because it is simply the opposite of lucky- a man dead is horrible, black or white.
Why is the title "The Pitiful Ending of Royalty" significant to chapter 33?
When Huck and Jim sneak out of the house, while they are in town they see the duke and the king being tarred and feathered. Huck feels bad for the 'royalty'- he forgets all that they did to him and Jim and is sorry to see anyone in such a situation regardless of who they are and what they've done. It's significant because that is what the chapter's about.
The setting is an old house with a typical one-horse plantation and clumps of grass everywhere. It is nice for Huck to see this, because he doesn't feel like he is taking on a huge task in trying to steal Jim away from it- there isn't anything very official or ominous about it. Also, there are many children running around, both slave and white, which contribute to a feeling of happiness and comfortableness.
How does Twain use irony in the discussion between Huck and Mrs. Phelps about the steamboat accident that Huck makes up?
Aunt Sally asks Huck if there were any casualties on the accident (which Huck fabricated.) Huck said no- no one was hurt, but a slave man was killed. Aunt Sally says that's very lucky- which is ironic because it is simply the opposite of lucky- a man dead is horrible, black or white.
Why is the title "The Pitiful Ending of Royalty" significant to chapter 33?
When Huck and Jim sneak out of the house, while they are in town they see the duke and the king being tarred and feathered. Huck feels bad for the 'royalty'- he forgets all that they did to him and Jim and is sorry to see anyone in such a situation regardless of who they are and what they've done. It's significant because that is what the chapter's about.
Section Thirteen- Chapters 35-38
How does returning Tom to the story (chapters 34-43) result in a change of tone and mood?
Tom returning causes a change of mood in that he brings back the feelings Huck felt when he was at home. Huck has grown since he left- becoming more of a leader with better morals and ideas. Tom coming back causes Huck to feel once more inferior- like he is just following along with all of Tom's ideas. Tom always loves an adventure, and Huck prefers to get things done quickly and safely. With Tom making the decisions, it makes Huck uncomfortable with the risks they are taking. I feel bad for Huck because he was becoming a better, happier person with Jim. When Tom comes into the picture it causes Huck to revert to his old ways of being an accomplice instead of the person in charge.
What evidence does this chapter provide that the plan to release Jim is little more than a game to Tom?
Tom makes unnecessary changes in plans and adds drama that don't need to be there. They have no need for a rope ladder of any sort, and Tom goes to great lengths to get one to Jim by baking one into a pie. Also, they made it hard for themselves to dig into the house with knives instead of picks- just so they would have a good story to tell. In fact, in chapter 38, they bring Jim out of his prison and then send him back in. He was able to escape but Tom wasn't finished making it a story-book adventure.
What is significant about Jim not wanting to have a snake in the cell with him?
He is a very superstitious person. He had a previous run in with snakes in previous chapters with Huck, and they ended badly for him. Jim will play along with the boys to some extent- but he draws the line here. He is so superstitious it is out of the question to have a snake in a cell with him, and this brings up the past story of the dead snake.
Tom returning causes a change of mood in that he brings back the feelings Huck felt when he was at home. Huck has grown since he left- becoming more of a leader with better morals and ideas. Tom coming back causes Huck to feel once more inferior- like he is just following along with all of Tom's ideas. Tom always loves an adventure, and Huck prefers to get things done quickly and safely. With Tom making the decisions, it makes Huck uncomfortable with the risks they are taking. I feel bad for Huck because he was becoming a better, happier person with Jim. When Tom comes into the picture it causes Huck to revert to his old ways of being an accomplice instead of the person in charge.
What evidence does this chapter provide that the plan to release Jim is little more than a game to Tom?
Tom makes unnecessary changes in plans and adds drama that don't need to be there. They have no need for a rope ladder of any sort, and Tom goes to great lengths to get one to Jim by baking one into a pie. Also, they made it hard for themselves to dig into the house with knives instead of picks- just so they would have a good story to tell. In fact, in chapter 38, they bring Jim out of his prison and then send him back in. He was able to escape but Tom wasn't finished making it a story-book adventure.
What is significant about Jim not wanting to have a snake in the cell with him?
He is a very superstitious person. He had a previous run in with snakes in previous chapters with Huck, and they ended badly for him. Jim will play along with the boys to some extent- but he draws the line here. He is so superstitious it is out of the question to have a snake in a cell with him, and this brings up the past story of the dead snake.
Section Fourteen- Chapters 39-40
Explain the verbal irony in Huck's statement: "We was glad as we could be, but Tom was the gladdest of all because he had a bullet in the calf of his leg."
Normally people aren't glad to be shot. Tom, however, thinks it all good fun- it makes their adventure seem more like a story book where the characters get hurt doing valiant rescues and good deeds. This is ironic because Tom was happy about being shot which is never a reaction you normally get from getting wounded.
What effect has the last warning letter had on the Phelpses?
They are really concerned and worried for the safety of their family and their home. They are confused because they have no idea who is sending the letters. This is only added to by the confusion of the missing items and the rats.
What startling revelation does Huck come to regarding Jim? Chapter 40
Huck believes that Jim is really just white on the inside. He has been raised up in an environment of white superiority, and because Jim is his friend he sees how different Jim is from the stereotypical black slave in those times. Also, when Tom is hurt, Jim right away wants to send for a doctor. This is, to Huck, something a white person would think of to do first.
Normally people aren't glad to be shot. Tom, however, thinks it all good fun- it makes their adventure seem more like a story book where the characters get hurt doing valiant rescues and good deeds. This is ironic because Tom was happy about being shot which is never a reaction you normally get from getting wounded.
What effect has the last warning letter had on the Phelpses?
They are really concerned and worried for the safety of their family and their home. They are confused because they have no idea who is sending the letters. This is only added to by the confusion of the missing items and the rats.
What startling revelation does Huck come to regarding Jim? Chapter 40
Huck believes that Jim is really just white on the inside. He has been raised up in an environment of white superiority, and because Jim is his friend he sees how different Jim is from the stereotypical black slave in those times. Also, when Tom is hurt, Jim right away wants to send for a doctor. This is, to Huck, something a white person would think of to do first.
Section Fourteen- Chapters 41-43
How does Twain continue to develop Huck's character as a thoughtful, caring person? Chapter 41
Twain shows Huck caring for his friends when he runs to get a doctor for Tom. He also lets the doctor go to the island, which means him staying by himself at shore- because he knows his friend needs the doctor more that he needs Huck. Huck also offers to go look for Tom the next day, even though he is not allowed.
How does the title of the chapter (Why didn't they hang Jim?) immediately appeal to the reader?
The reader wants to know what happened to Jim. This makes the reader interested. It appeals as well because it shows good news- that Jim wasn't hanged. There must have been a story behind it, and I want to know what it was.
Why did Jim keep the dead man's identity a secret from Huck?
Jim had begun to care about Huck. He didn't know the extent of Huck's fighting with his father, so he wanted to protect Huck from the sadness that he figured would come with losing his Pap. Jim also didn't want Huck to turn around, and might have thought that Huck would give up on running away if something as drastic as his father dying happened. But I do think, mostly, that Jim wanted to keep Huck from feeling the loss of a dead father.
Twain shows Huck caring for his friends when he runs to get a doctor for Tom. He also lets the doctor go to the island, which means him staying by himself at shore- because he knows his friend needs the doctor more that he needs Huck. Huck also offers to go look for Tom the next day, even though he is not allowed.
How does the title of the chapter (Why didn't they hang Jim?) immediately appeal to the reader?
The reader wants to know what happened to Jim. This makes the reader interested. It appeals as well because it shows good news- that Jim wasn't hanged. There must have been a story behind it, and I want to know what it was.
Why did Jim keep the dead man's identity a secret from Huck?
Jim had begun to care about Huck. He didn't know the extent of Huck's fighting with his father, so he wanted to protect Huck from the sadness that he figured would come with losing his Pap. Jim also didn't want Huck to turn around, and might have thought that Huck would give up on running away if something as drastic as his father dying happened. But I do think, mostly, that Jim wanted to keep Huck from feeling the loss of a dead father.